Stay Informed

UPDATE: Time is running out for voter ID in Mississippi

Wed, 08/01/2012 - 8:40am — Amelia

UPDATE: Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann rebuked the Brennan Center, claiming that its recent report “is purposely inaccurate and is misleading in its statements about Mississippi.” The Brennan Center stands by its research – “[county offices] are still untested as voting ID issuing offices” – reinforcing the fact that the new law warrants close scrutiny.

One of the requirements to get the free voter ID cards is a birth certificate, but in order to receive a certified copy of your birth certificate in Mississippi, you must have a photo ID. Not having the photo ID is why most people need the voter ID in the first place.

Fortunately, we have at least a slight reprieve, as it seems very unlikely that the law will go into effect by November. Hosemann said shortly after Governor Bryant signed the bill that it would need to receive Department of Justice approval by July in order to be implemented in time, and as of July 9, Mississippi has yet to apply.